'Hope they stick to their guns...': Mitchell Starc calls on curators to prepare bowler-friendly pitches for The Ashes

Australia seamer Mitchell Starc has called on the pitch curators to prepare bowler-friendly tracks for the upcoming Ashes series against England. With the threat of 'Bazball' looming, the 35-year-old feels that the pitches can help the bowlers in maintaining the balance of the game.

The pitches in Australia have been one of team's most lethal weapons in Test assignments. Pacers like Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have dominated with the ball against opposing batters on those tracks. They can take advantage of the pitches in the Ashes series and that is what Starc is hoping for.

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"I hope the groundsmen stick to their guns and prepare the wickets they want. If we're worried about five days of revenue, then there are bigger problems at hand," Starc said.

"Yeah, no doubt, especially if they're pretty docile wickets like this. We know the way they're trying to play their cricket. We'll worry about that next week," he added.

Starc solely focused on Tests

Starc, who recently announced his retirement from T20Is in order to focus solely on red-ball cricket, stated that he is satisfied with his decision and is now in complete rhythm ahead of the crucial series against arch-rivals England.

"I think the break was a good thing, but I just tend to be someone who continuous bowling keeps in rhythm," said the 35-year-old. "I've just been speaking to (head coach) Ronnie (Andrew McDonald) then, I think I’ve sorted it out and now it’s just getting the engine going again," Starc stated.

Starc shines in Sheffield Shield

Meanwhile, Starc gave an impressive bowling performance for the New South Wales ahead of The Ashes. He racked up four wickets against Victoria in a Sheffield Shield clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He will be hoping to maintain this form in the five-match Test series bagainst England that will commence from November 21 at the Optus stadium in Perth.

Australia's squad for 1st Ashes Test: Steven Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.